Underactive thyroid symptoms
The only way to know for sure if you have an underactive thyroid is to visit your doctor or an ENT specialist. However, understanding the signs and symptoms of the disorder will help you to know what to look out for. Depending on the severity of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), symptoms can vary quite a bit.
Many people with the disorder do not notice symptoms until years after the problem begins, when the symptoms become more apparent.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Since these hormones are necessary for proper body metabolism and cellular activity, thyroid hormone deficiency that is not treated can lead to a number of health problems including an enlarged thyroid (goitre), decreased body temperature, low blood pressure, decreased breathing rate, and other serious health conditions.
The signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Increased cold sensitivity
- Hoarse voice
- Weight gain (unexplained)
- Puffy face
- Increased blood cholesterol level
- Muscle fatigue, stiffness, tenderness and aches
- Changes in hair and fingernails (dry and brittle)
- Changes in skin (pale and dry)
- Irregular menstrual flow (heavier than normal)
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating, forgetful
Treatment for an underactive thyroid gland
If you are experiencing chronic fatigue or other signs of hypothyroidism, see a doctor who specializes in throat disorders. If you do have the disorder, your doctor will start you on thyroid hormone replacement medication.
In order to ensure that you are receiving the correct dose of the medication, it is important to schedule follow-up visits to your doctor.
Regular checkups will be necessary since the dose of medication that you need may change over time depending on the function of your thyroid gland and your body’s response to the hormone replacement medication. With proper ongoing treatment, you should be able to live a life free of symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
If you have any questions about thyroid symptoms or thyroid surgery contact your local doctor who will arrange to contact your thyroid surgeon
